THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS (Tuesday, August 29, 2017, 7 a.m.) - From The Woodlands Fire Department in conjunction with Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management
 
The Woodlands Fire Department and emergency officials continue to monitor the effects of Tropical Storm Harvey on The Woodlands.
 
The Woodlands Township Chairman Gordy Bunch and Fire Chief Alan B. Benson held a press conference yesterday to address resident concerns about the storm. The press conference was streamed live on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the Township’s website. You can also watch a recording of the press conference.
 
Here is the latest information as of 7 a.m. Tuesday, August 29, 2017
 
Residents are asked to stay home and off the roads. The Woodlands Fire Department reminds all residents to stay out of rising waters due to unpredictable currents and unforeseen dangers. If you need help, please call 9-1-1.
 
WEATHER UPDATE
The circulation has tightened some this evening and coastal stations have been showing gusts to 40-45 mph at times. Harvey will move ENE then NE and make landfall near/over Sabine Pass on Wednesday morning. Additional rainfall of 4-6 inches is likely tonight into Wednesday morning mainly SE of US 59 and 1-3 inches NW of US 59. Widespread catastrophic and life threatening flooding continues across much of SE Texas. There is a slight risk of tornadoes through Tuesday.
 
HIGH WATER LOCATIONS
The San Jacinto River Authority continues to release large quantities of water from Lake Conroe however has been reduced significantly. Harper’s Landing residents now have access in and out of the area and encroached waters should start receding.
 
A federal disaster declaration has been issued by the President for Montgomery County.
 
The Woodlands Fire Department currently have resources deployed in the neighborhood of Grogan’s Point and High Oaks in the Village of Grogan’s Mill and ready to assist in necessary evacuations. Additional resources will be deployed as necessary and obtainable.
 
SHELTER LOCATIONS

• Lone Star Convention Center in Conroe, 9055 Airport Road, 77303 is at full capacity.
• St. Simon and Jude Catholic Church, 26777 Glen Loch Drive, The Woodlands 77381 is at full capacity.
• Creekside Park Junior High, 8711 Creekside Green Drive, The Woodlands, 77375
  • No pets at Creekside
• Some shelters are accepting pets with owner supervision.
• College Park High School is back on the list and have a remaining capacity of 80-100  people.

 
POWER
According to CenterPoint Energy, there are approximately 1,141 customers still without power within Creekside Park, mostly on the west side of Kuykendahl due to the inability to access the area because of high water. As soon as the area can be accessed safely by officials, they will resume response and restoration efforts.
 
Due to danger to residents and the public presented by electrical distribution facilities impacted by flood waters, electric service is subject to being disconnected in flooded areas until flood waters recede to the point this danger no longer exists. Affected residents are to be notified by the power companies prior to a disconnect. When the hazard is mitigated, power companies will restore power to these homes as soon as possible.
 
The public is urged to follow these important electric and natural gas safety tips:
 
Electric

• Stay away from downed power lines. Be especially mindful of downed lines that could be hidden in flood waters and treat all downed lines as if they are energized.
• Once away from the area, call CenterPoint Energy and we will respond as soon as it is safe to do so.
• When possible, we recommend that you contact a licensed electrician to advise and assist during flood conditions in turning power off at the breaker box and back on. If it appears that water will get as high as the outlets in your house, we recommend that you cut off power at the breaker box only if you are able to do so safely and without standing in water.
• If you experienced flooding above the electrical outlets in your home, contact a licensed electrician before turning on the main circuit breaker or trying to restore power.
• All electrical appliances and electronic equipment that have been submerged in water need to dry thoroughly for at least one week. Then, have them checked by a qualified repair person before turning them on. Attempting to repair a flood-damaged appliance could result in electrical shock or death. Attempting to restart it could result in further damage and costly repairs.
• If the outside unit of an air conditioning system has been under water, mud and water may have accumulated in the controls. Have the unit checked by a qualified air conditioning technician.

Natural Gas

• Do not turn off your natural gas service at the meter; doing so could allow water to enter the natural gas lines.
• Be alert for the smell of natural gas. If you smell gas, leave the area immediately on foot and tell others to leave, too.
• If you smell gas, do not turn the lights on or off, smoke, strike a match, use a cell phone or operate anything that might cause a spark, including a flashlight or a generator.
• Do not attempt to turn natural gas valves on or off. Once safely away from the area, call 888-876-5786 and once it is safe, CenterPoint Energy will send a trained service technician.

 
SCHOOLS
As of this posting, Conroe ISD, Magnolia ISD, Tomball ISD, all closed until Sept. 5, 2017.
 
TRASH
Waste Management will not provide pickup services on Tuesday. There will also not be any Simple Recycling textile pickups. A determination for Wednesday and beyond will be made on Tuesday. More information about trash and recycling pickup and solid waste tips and solutions during storm events.
 
DRINKING WATER SAFE in The Woodlands, despite rumors
Despite numerous rumors throughout social media, the two major municipal water districts serving residents in The Woodlands report water is safe to drink.
 
The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency (WJPA) reports drinking water for residents of The Woodlands is totally safe. Here is contact information: 855-H2o-SAVE (855-426-7283)
 
For residents in Harris-Montgomery Counties MUD 386, drinking water remains SAFE, according to municipal utility district officials. All drinking water plants are operational at this time. The wastewater system is operational, but is being overfilled with stormwater. This is resulting in wastewater mixed with stormwater that may escape the system. Please try to stay out of flood water, if possible. This does not impact drinking water, which remains SAFE. To report MAJOR water or wastewater emergencies, please contact Municipal District services at 281-290-6503.
 
 
ROAD CONDITIONS
Go to http://mctxoem.org/ for additional alerts and advisories including road closures.
 
Here are roads/intersections reported to have water or impassable:
HARPERS LANDING / BLAIR BRIDGE
N HIGH OAKS / WHISPER
W HIGH OAKS / GREEN BOUGH
N BLAIR BRIDGE / WEST KNIGHT BRIDGE
BLAIR BRIDGE / WIMBERLY WAY
GROGAN’S POINT / FIREFALL
1500 SAWDUST
SAWDUST / SAWMILL
GLEN LOCH from LONG SHADOWS TO DAWNWOOD
GLEN LOCH / SAWDUST 
SAWDUST FROM GROGANS POINT TO GOLDEN RD 
SPRING CREEK DR FROM SHADOW CREST TO BRISTLECONE TRL 
FLINTRIDGE RD @ SPRING CREEK
TALLOWBERRY / ARNICA
GOSLING / CREEKSIDE (HARRIS COUNTY)
SAWMILL / S HIGH OAKS 
CREEKSIDE FOREST (HARRIS COUNTY)
CREEKSIDE GREEN (HARRIS COUNTY)
 
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
Interfaith of The Woodlands will accept donations of food, clothing, bedding items and new undergarments.
 
For those asking about volunteering for the Red Cross, visit www.RedCross.org to learn about volunteer opportunities and submit an application.
 
Volunteers or those wishing to offer assistance may also call the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management at 936-523-3900.
 
Donations may be made to the Montgomery County Food Bank Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund by visiting the Montgomery County Food Bank website.
 
The Woodlands Fire Department reminds all residents to stay out of rising waters due to unpredictable currents and unforeseen dangers and to stay safe!
 
TOWNSHIP OFFICES
Township offices will remain closed for Tuesday, August 29, 2017, with only essential personnel reporting.
 
The Woodlands Express and Town Center Trolley operations are suspended until further notice.
 
For additional information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.
 
Additional questions, please see the FAQ from the San Jacinto River Authority.